Mural of former mayor Rizzo removed

PHILADELPHIA » The image of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo was removed from the side of a building in south Philadelphia amid large protests in the city on the issue of police brutality.

Mural Arts Philadelphia said Sunday morning that the mural was being painted over with the consent of the owner of the wall on the side of a building near the Italian Market, where it was created nearly a quarter-century ago. A small corner of the mural showing a parking sign remained Sunday.

The mural had been vandalized several times, most recently during protests stemming from the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Mural Arts Philadelphia said then that it would immediately “cease all involvement” with the mural.

“We do not believe the mural can play a role in healing and supporting dialogue, but rather it has become a painful reminder for many of the former Mayor’s legacy, and only adds to the pain and anger,” the group said.

Rizzo, who was the police commissioner from 1968 to 1971 and mayor from 1972 to 1980, was praised by supporters as tough on crime but accused by critics of discriminating against minorities.

“We know that the removal of this mural does not erase painful memories and are deeply apologetic for the amount of grief it has caused,” Mural Arts Philadelphia said in a statement Sunday. “We believe this is a step in the right direction and hope to aid in healing our city through the power of thoughtful and inclusive public art.”

The group vowed that a new mural that replaces the old one would include “an extensive community engagement and artist selection process.”